Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly.. It's rare ... you cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it.. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas! 8. GRAVY If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.. Repeat. 7. MASHED POTATOES As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 6. PRE-EATING Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
5. EXERCISE Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a ten-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 4. SANTA COOKIES If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 3. PIES Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin, mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day? 2. FRUITCAKE Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 1. MOTTO One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: |
Friday, December 18, 2009
Yet, another contribution, this one from Linda M., a girl after my own heart!
From my friend, Dee Dee (Diane) complete with animation!
Christmas Cookie Rules...  1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.  2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.  3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calories free, (rule #1) yours is also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone and, being the friend that you are, that makes your cookie calorie free. 4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.  5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue. 6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie for each letter. Make more red ones! 7. Cookies eaten while watching "Miracle on 34th Street" have no calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.  |
8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking
Causes calorie leakage.
9. Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate have no calories since the calories
Rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate.
We all know how calories like to CLING!
10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!
So, go out and enjoy those Christmas Cookies - we only get them this this time of year!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Waiting for kick-off
And so far, no rain! Justin had planned on attending the game tonight, the first game this season not being blacked out, due to help from area businesses and the city of Jax. As we were leaving Bible study, he got a phone call from his father, asking him if Justin would mind missing the game since the weather was expected to be foul tonight, complete with rain and cold. Justin was cool with it, and while I did not at first realize it was his father breaking the plans, I was bemused that he let the caller/canceller off the hook so easily. I had assumed he was going with Ron, but that was only my assumption. Instead, the father and son team is going shopping for Justin's cousins who live in Manty, as his dad is not sure what to get them. My shopping for them was completed without benefit of a list when I was in Manty, wrapped and delivered to Barb, ready for distribution. I really do not like list-shopping and prefer to take my chances on what I know or surmise.
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Our Bible study went a bit long this a.m. with our discussion of the Lord's Supper and its benefits to our life. We have a newer attendee who walks over from the subdivision next door, happy to have a church, any church, nearby. Francis' background is Methodist and she appears to be quite well-read in the Word but is strange to the WELS and its doctrines. Pastor is talking with her about taking the "Life in the Victory Lane" classes so she can become more aware of what we teach. She brings much to the class and as Justin nicely pointed out later, it helps to revisit the reasons why we do the things we do. He is quite astute sometimes.
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Justin was hungry for rice so "talked" me into lunch at PF Changs. Believe it if you will but we dined el fresco in the full sun. It just now occurs to me that I left my inevitable "to-go" box in the car. My hands were full when I got home carrying my made-to-order Papa Murphy's pizza, which is rather floppy when carried. They had a special of $5.99 for a large pepperoni and the lady nicely threw an extra handful of shredded cheese on the top, no charge! Lisa, my niece, raves about their chocolate chip cookie dough, which they offered at two for $5. I told the clerk how my niece eats the dough right from the container and she said, "It is that good!" I will wait to make mine into cookies until it is closer to when the family arrives so they are fresh.
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Joanne and Judy J. were coming over to watch the game and share the pizza but plans changed and the pizza waits. Joanne was so exhausted that she has dark rings under her eyes. I did not ask her specifically but I wonder if her incredibly noisy, rambunctious, frisky neighbors woke her up from the sound sleep again. She is working very hard these days, having lost her assistant and doing it all herself again. Maybe after CHRISTmas I can lend her a hand but do not want to jeopardize our friendship in any way. It can happen, you know! So, since the ladies are not coming tonight, my dinner will be some of my leftover ribs from Sunday night and mashed potatoes made last night. Twila and Judy J. will come tomorrow for Dinner and a Movie, when we will enjoy our pizza. I bought "Julie and Julia" for us to watch plus Twila has "The Point of the Spear', a movie she has raved about for ages. When I mentioned it to Judy, she seemed familiar with it but said she has not seen the movie, she read the book! Oh, how we laughed----there's a book???? Judy is watching the pastor's kids tomorrow as his wife is going in for her breast cancer surgery. The procedure is expected to be same-day, but we shall see. I was thinking the surgery was today but is actually tomorrow. Prayers that all goes well for her would be greatly appreciated!
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Justin is coming over Saturday to go shopping with me for groceries, mostly to help me get them upstairs. Much of my list is not food items but things needing to be on hand for house guests and their comfort. Justin assured me that the grocery items would be fine for a week prior to their arrival, especially since I am making a dinner on CHRISTmas Day after all. Even Rick and Jen might join us which pleases me beyond measure, and the Hilcheys have been invited. Speaking of which, Jen and I had breakfast early this a.m. at Grumpy's after she dropped Mem off at school. As we sat and talked, in came Owen to meet his friend for breakfast! We hugged and he sat down at the table next to ours so we could chat. He did not know that I had spoken with Sandy about coming for dinner so I hope they can make it. When he was getting ready to leave, he snatched the bill off our table, saying this morning was his treat. Wasn't that nice? Once before this happened to me, at Cracker Barrel, when a car salesman picked up our ticket. I hope all get to come for dinner on CHRISTmas Day, as I reminded Jen, I love nothing better than people around my table! Of course, it does not have to be anything fancy, just basics, but will be lovely nonetheless. Now I am getting really excited!!!!
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Justin will be at Victory on CHRISTmas Eve, attending the children's service with his father, who will be leaving for WI the next day. Victory does not have worship on the 25th for some reason so he can come to Good Shepherd for our song service and home with me for the feast. Did I mention getting excited???
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As I checked my voice mail today I had several from church, asking me about the details for Sunday's big events of putting up the tree, decorating the tree and church, going caroling, and then the chili supper. Technically I am only in charge of the caroling but, as Renee said when she called later this afternoon, there seems, oddly enough, to be a communication gap regarding the events. Really? Fortunately I was able to answer her questions about the tree and ornaments and such since some of the regular players would not be there to orchestrate the decorating. Renee's hubby, our new property trustee, is also in charge of the chili supper and seems to have that well in hand. That whole conversation just made me chuckle as once again, the right hand does not know what the left is doing but somehow, it will all come together. The church secretary had also called with questions but I did not get the message until after Justin and I finished lunch....I can get with her tomorrow, I guess. But, for now, kick off!!! Go Jags!!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Oops, the day got away from me!
I am perched at my desk, using the desktop tonight, as I finish my delicious supper---at nearly 10:00 pm! My eyes are quite ready to sleep but yet I have not completed my meal. Am I upside down here or what? Martie and I had a late lunch today at Miller's Ale House, sharing a portion of their tremendously wonderful cheddar and bacon fries with chicken tenders on top. We did not even finish that dish and Martie took the balance of it home with her for later. When I spoke with her hubby on the phone this a.m., Ernie asked me if I had ever eaten at 5 Guys. Of course, I expounded on the virtues of their food and he said he had his first visit the other day. He loved it but was buried by the hamburger, just too big to eat! I told him they have a junior-sized burger instead and also recommended the hot dog. It is the fries, though, that people go crazy over, so good, fresh-cut fries. One order is enough for three people, as Justin, Linda, and I found out when she was here.
*
After we finished our long lunch, without benefit of adult beverages, Martie and I went to the UPS Store to send off our packages. Hers cost way more than mine did, going parcel post snail mail. Martie was appalled that the shipping was nearly the same value as the gift inside the box! Mine was not quite that bad but I do regret not taking care of this when I was up in Manty to avoid having to ship anything. Rats! Some of my shopping was done via Internet and those packages will arrive at their destination without additional help from me. Some will even arrive gift wrapped! And hopefully, on time!
*
Tonight as I headed back to church for Advent worship, I found myself alongside Judy J. at the light on Hwy. 17. We were neck and neck most of the way to church then, if the lights were in our favor, but when we got from Wells onto Blanding, the nightmare began. The traffic, usually dense anyway, was extra heavy with the Mall traffic and then, having the signal messed up at Argyle and Blanding was unforgivable! The left turn arrow, covering two lanes of traffic, failed to allow traffic to leave Blanding. Fortunately I was stopped back far enough to observe the problem and therefore, went straight instead of getting into the turn lane. Those lanes were also full but had operational traffic lights. Several of our members were late getting there, but Judy somehow beat me, by going against the red light and around the corner when traffic allowed. Joe came that way, too, and felt a bit uneasy turning against the red arrow! Others came in after church began including Twila and Janet, but I made it before church actually started. One thing we absolutely depend upon are operational traffic signals from Blanding onto Argyle and Wells Roads, at CHRISTmas especially!
*
Tomorrow a.m. I am meeting Jennifer at Grumpy's after she drops Memrie off at school. She has some things to talk with me about, good things and otherwise. Time will be our enemy though as I have to leave there with enough to spare to get over to Victory. Yes, it is Thursday already...wasn't that just last week when we had a Thursday??? Martie and I talked about how this year flew by and we wondered if it because of our ages, or did it really fly by?? I remember that I was totally preoccupied with legal matters early on in the year and after that, time just took off running! Summer went especially fast it seems. Tomorrow night is the football game and I am excited about that. Not sure if I want to go get the pizza or order in, we shall see! Go Jaguars!!!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I just cannot do it!
I cannot and will not watch "Elf"! My tolerance for 'holiday' programs on TV is already low but to watch the weirdo Ferrell would be too over the top. A couple of us on Facebook discussed this movie and it seems I am unique in my sentiment about it. Oh well, the rest of you, enjoy!
*
Speaking of enjoying, I did just that tonight as the preschool and kindergarten's students at church told the assembly the true reason for celebrating CHRISTmas. Earlier today I met Judy C. over there and together we set up the Fellowship Hall for the reception which would follow the program. I took my tablecloth and centerpiece, candy dishes, candy, as much as I could load in my wash basket, over this a.m. and the rest of it this evening. We dressed the tables with red or green plastic covers and the refreshment table with my tablecloth. It looked quite festive if I do say so myself! Mike C. and Carol stayed afterwards to help us get things put away and cleaned up, the whole evening over by 8:00 pm. Not bad, and an excellent turn-out for the program and reception!
*
Obviously, the table toting and chair hauling, days which I thought were behind me, wore me out so I am now resting. A notice had come Monday to remind us the elevator would be down, so to speak, for an hour today so I planned to stay out after finishing at church. Kohl's is having a big sale so that is where I went to finish my shopping before heading to Great Hang Ups. When I came in, Julia announced they were getting worried about me since I had not been around in over a week. We had a wonderful chat even with a few clients coming and going, which is great to see.
*
After leaving Hang Ups I headed for home and worked on a few things for the function tonight, some posters and notices about our special services coming in the next few weeks. And then, I rested! When it was time to head back over to church again, I carried my large wash basket which was loaded to the top with the goody bags, balancing my home-baked cookies on top of that and headed to the car. In the lobby I met my neighbor who declared, "Every time I see you, you are hauling something!" Yes, it is true---or so it seems, anyway.
*
When we came out of the program, we realized it had rained. This made it that much more steamy outside, adding to the already muggy air which today topped 82 degrees. Tomorrow it is expected to drop down 20 degrees and more rain is coming our way. Oh nice! The Jaguar game is being broadcast locally on Thursday night, the first time this season the Jags will not be blacked out. YIPPEE! Joanne is coming over to watch the game with me, at least the first part of it. I am looking forward to seeing her again since I have not since getting home from WI. I am thinking of getting one of the "Father Murphy" pizzas, new in Orange Park. We had a couple of those when at Lori's, only the official name is Papa Murphy's. I accidentally called it Father Murphy and now I cannot say it correctly. It's a Little House on the Prairie thing!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Everybody in the pool!
Yesterday at church, Paul told me how Sarah, my God-daughter, climbed into bed with them that morning and asked if they could go to Miss Kim's house and swim in the pool. They chuckled and said it was too cold right now to go swimming but when it gets warmer they can come over. Sarah said, "Well, yeah....." as though she realized that weather was an issue. It was quite warm Sunday, particularly after it stopped raining. In fact, when I walked from my door to the elevator on my way to church, I was actually walking in fog! I cannot recall having that happen before, or at least, not that I ever noticed. My church friends nicely pointed out that I am always walking in a fog......thanks, guys!
*
All the exterior surfaces at home and at church were still damp, especially noticeable was the cornerstone marker near the breezeway door, where one of the kids even wrote their name in the wetness. It was nearly 80 again Sunday, humid, of course, and will be for a couple more days this week until the temps decline once again to the 60's. Mom told me Lynn, Jill, and she drove to Sheboygan Saturday to the wonderful bakery (delicious sugar cookies) on washboard roads after the rain and snow from last week froze onto the pavement. That must be tough on tires, I don't remember. I do remember getting my car into a rut in the road and nearly hitting a car parked along the street because I could not steer my car out of the rut, like the car rides in theme parks. Really, I do not miss that one bit!
*
Olivia, our family friend, attends college in Maryville, TN, which was featured on the news this a.m. Fox and Friends had a segment on where, at the annual tree lighting ceremony, a man was forbidden to read the CHRISTmas story from the Bible, as had been done for a couple decades previously. Until she went to college there, we had never heard of this place before and now, it's on the news! She is due home very soon, perhaps is already here, and I know we will be getting together to enjoy some time during the holidays with Owen and Sandy, her folks. I had better get busy and invite them for CHRISTmas dinner, since I really do not mind making two feasts. On TV last night, believe it or not, HGTV, one of the decorators was giving advice on entertaining over the holidays. She said to stick to what you know, keep it simple and do not experiment with new recipes on your family and friends. I can make a very nice meal for us without going nuts. Done!
*
On the way upstairs after church, I had my laundry basket with me, which had been used to transport the goody bags for the kids the day before. It was helpful with getting my groceries upstairs plus a mess of junque from the back of my car. I stopped at the mailboxes and got my mail which also was loaded into the basket. Now I won't mind stopping for the mail since CHRISTmas cards are coming fast and furious. Several came yesterday, or likely, this week and I was thrilled to get one from my friend who lives near Maryville, TN. Judy and her family moved up there about five years ago. I feel like giving her a call just to chat, although she is often hard to pin down, being a busy mom. Her daughter was a friend of Timmy's and I have mentioned before about how Rachel buried her face in my lap during the pre-service viewing at the church at Timmy's funeral. Anyway, Judy sent a lovely two-sided postcard with photos of her family and I just love it! I see some photos on Facebook but very few of Judy herself. Somehow, she looks younger than when she left here, so living in the mountains of TN must be the way to go!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'm a survivor!
The Advent Song Service was wonderful, at least that is what the congregation and other choir members and musicians report. My knees and hips held up better today than yesterday which is a huge relief. During the offering, Rachel played the piano and Suzanne the viola, playing "O, Holy Night", my latest addition to the funeral hymn list. Now for sure I have to go before Suzanne or it is a moot point! The arrangement the musicians used is quite lovely and I will get to hear it yet again next week as we take our show on the road to Victory. The bell choir was also very nice and I even "survived" having an acoustic guitar strummed during our song about candle lighting. Bonnie played the piano while the viola and guitar played the background music as Pastor read some paragraphs about the Advent candles and their meaning. We sang before and after his reading. As the director, Rachel, very nicely explained during rehearsal, the viola is a stringed instrument and the guitar is a stringed instrument......to which I nicely answered, "So, Kim, get over it already!!" and all laughed. Evidently I was the only one whose eyebrows went up when it was presented that we were having a guitar and amp for the service, which came as a surprise to me yesterday. Just so we do not get like my other friend, Kathy R. describes her son's church---the Jimi Hendrix church!!!! I am sure we won't but the door has been opened now....Come on, get with the program here!
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After the service and saying 'good-bye' to all my Victory friends, we had to gather again in the church for our annual congregational meeting. Today the voters had to make decisions regarding the budget for next year, making the necessary cuts and to elect new leadership for the coming year. Fewer tears were shed this week than last although I really did feel like it myself. I hate to see the sad state of affairs our members find themselves in, some taking pay cuts, me included, while others have lost their jobs, with little relief in sight. Prayers are needed for all folks having the same problems as well as for their congregations who suffer right along with them.
*
Yesterday after rehearsal Rachel came up to me with a piece of music she wanted me to have. It had been on her desk for months, intending to share it with me for some time. She said I should read it at home because I might cry. The melody of the anthem was not that great, according to her, but she knew I would love the words. So far, I have not read through it, waiting for the right moment. Another friend from Victory, Audrey, brought me a book to read dealing with birth order. What? Well, when our group met at Victory a week or so ago to rehearse for the Ladies' Advent Service, Audrey and Bonnie were discussing their elderly parents, one in IL and Audrey's here with her now in FL. They are snowbirds and go back to the Milwaukee area where they formerly owned a restaurant along I-43. Bonnie's mom is giving her grief, even though she is not the only child, about being moved into assisted living from her own home. Audrey insists it all has to do with birth order and since I was puzzled about that concept coming into play, she brought me a book!!!! I hope she does not expect it back any time soon.....I am a slow reader!
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